A tape drive and a method of using a tape drive is provided. The tape drive includes a head assembly including at least a first and a second servo read element configured to detect transition stripes of a servo pattern on tape media. The first servo read element is configured to detect at least two transition stripes of an even servo band on the tape media at a first time. The servo detection logic is configured to detect a timing of at least two transition stripes of the even servo band on the tape media. The servo controller is configured to position the head assembly laterally with respect to the tape media in response to the timing of the at least two transition stripes of the even servo band on the tape media. The second servo read element is configured to detect at least two transition stripes of an odd servo band on the tape media at a second time, wherein the second time is a time delay after the first time corresponding to a distance D. The servo detection logic is further configured to detect a timing of at least two transition stripes of the odd servo band on the tape media. The servo controller further is configured to position the head assembly laterally with respect to the tape media in response to the timing of the at least two transition stripes of the odd servo band on the tape media.